Grudgingly loved

You never kiss me

On paper

Or in reality.

And virtually I see

No expression of love.

And yet.

A hint,

Or glimmer

Or half-dimmed shimmer

Shows me something

You may even deny.

A touch of love

A word

Or glance

A turn of phrase

Unchained, perchance

By your usual calm and

Icy gaze,

Sets my heart ablaze.

Enchanted as I am

By unseen beauty

And magical words,

Sent, by the by,

To ensnare my heart.

And I am ensnared.

Willingly.

For mark my words

I could escape

If I did not feel love.

And when I leave

Which I will surely do,

You will know the pain of loss.

For though I am grudgingly loved

(I see you smile

And hear denial

Even now)

For though I am grudgingly loved

I will be lavishly missed

And you will whisper my name

And sigh.